STUDENTS GAIN BENEFITS FROM MILITARY WORK EXPERIENCE

The Minister for Defence, the Hon. Joel Fitzgibbon MP, has congratulated those participating in an Australian Defence Force Work Experience program taking place this week in Tasmania and said it could be a useful model for a national military work experience program.

Twenty students from Huonville High, Hobart and Claremont College are participating in a challenging work experience program with Second Force Support Battalion based at Derwent Barracks in Glenorchy.

During the week, the students will dress in Army uniforms, learn drills, undertake vehicle and workshop familiarisation, first aid, navigation, field craft and physical training.

Mr Fitzgibbon said it was an excellent way to expose students to the day-to-day operations of the Australian Defence Force and the career options available.

“I have asked the Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, to build on current arrangements and develop a national work experience program so that kids in their senior high school years can get a week or two of exposure to the Australian Defence Force in the hope that they might like what they see,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.

“People and the skills shortage is the single biggest challenge facing Defence. I commend Second Force Support Battalion on the program they are running this week.

“The Battalion has been conducting these programs for six years and I am told there is never a shortage of applicants from both the private and public schools across Tasmania.

“It’s important that Defence pursues further opportunities which will enable students to get a taste of military life and the benefits of a career in the Australian Defence Force.

“This work experience program also complements other youth orientated schemes such as the Defence Gap Year Program and Cadets.”

Media contacts:

Christian Taubenschlag (Joel Fitzgibbon):  02 6277 7800 or 0438 595 567

Defence Media Liaison:                               02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664